Long Term Disability Law Blog
Recently, a federal lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court of Florida against CIGNA Life Insurance Company (CIGNA) by a Florida disability lawyer. The Plaintiff, Robert L., was an employee at L-3 Communications Corporation (L-3), which contracted with CIGNA to provide salary continuance disability insurance benefits to its employees. The Plaintiff was eligible and covered by these benefits due to his employment at L-3. At all times throughout this ordeal, Plaintiff paid the premiums so that he remained under the coverage of this Policy.
In Robert L. v. CIGNA Life Insurance Company, the Plaintiff filed a disability lawsuit to recover payment of long-term salary continuance insurance benefits.
Facts of the Case Against CIGNA
Plaintiff was employed by L-3 until August 24, 2005 when he became totally disabled according to the terms of the Policy due to degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, left foot numbness, migraine headaches, and other exertional and non-exertional impairments.
On or about August 24, 2005, Plaintiff applied for disability benefits under the Policy.
CIGNA approved the benefits on or about May 19, 2008.
Plaintiff received monthly disability benefits from CIGNA during the period between February 19, 2006 and May 18, 2011.
CIGNA Terminates Plaintiff’s Long-Term Disability Benefits
On April 13, 2011, CIGNA terminated Plaintiff’s claim for ongoing disability benefits from May 18, 2011.
On May 10, 2011, Plaintiff appealed CIGNA’s denial of his disability claim, which was acknowledged as being received by CIGNA on May 12, 2011.
On or about July 13, 2011, CIGNA upheld its previous denial, despite evidence to the contrary that the Plaintiff still suffers from the following conditions:
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine
- Herniated disc at L5-S1
- Annular tears at L3-L4 and L4-L5
- Severe low back pain
- Left foot numbness
- Migraine headaches
- Other exertional and non-exertional impairments
All of these conditions cause the Plaintiff to be disabled as defined by the terms under the Policy.
Plaintiff has exhausted all administrative remedies as defined by the Policy, which has led to the filing of this lawsuit against CIGNA.
Lawsuit Filed Against CIGNA By Florida Disability Lawyer
The lawsuit states that CIGNA committed the following wrongful acts against the plaintiff:
- Denial of disability benefits was capricious and arbitrary
- Showed abuse of CIGNA’s discretion under the Policy
- Denial of disability benefits to Plaintiff caused emotional and financial hardship
Following Relief Sought By CIGNA Lawsuit
Due to CIGNA’s actions, Plaintiff wants the following relief from the Court:
- All policy benefits due according to the terms of the Policy at the time of the said judgment
- All pre-judgment interest that is due
- All attorney’s fees
- All costs of action related to the filing of this lawsuit
- All other relief that is deemed just and proper by the Court